Valdez, Galang, Gagate headline Alas Pilipinas roster for AVC Women’s Cup

Alas Pilipinas Women has finalized its training pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, unveiling a talent-rich lineup bannered by Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, and Thea Gagate ahead of the tournament set from June 6 to 14 in Candon.

Valdez and Galang are poised to spearhead the wing spiker unit alongside Farm Fresh standouts Trisha Tubu, Ces Molina, and Royse Tubino. Also joining the attacking rotation are Creamline star Tots Carlos, ZUS Coffee veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Letran’s Vanessa Sarie, giving the national squad a strong mix of experience and firepower.

Gagate continues to serve as a vital force in the middle position after emerging as the lone returning member from the Alas team that saw action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. She will be reinforced by FEU’s Cla Loresco, a familiar face in previous national team pools, as well as fellow Lady Tamaraw Jaz Ellarina, PVL rookie Niña Ytang, and Adamson’s Third Tuddao.

The playmaking responsibilities will be shared by setters Kyle Negrito of Creamline, Cloanne Mondoñedo of ZUS Coffee, FEU’s Tin Ubaldo, and Letran’s Nathalie Estreller, providing a balance of veteran composure and young talent.

On defense, the libero duties will be handled by Kyla Atienza of Creamline, Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee, and Lara Mae Silva of Letran.

The national team has already started preparations for the continental competition and will head to Candon on May 29 for the final phase of training before the tournament begins.

The Philippines opens its pool-stage campaign against Uzbekistan on June 6, followed by matches against Australia on June 7, Kyrgyzstan on June 8, South Korea on June 9, and Chinese Taipei on June 11.

The top four teams from each pool will earn spots in the semifinals.